After three inspiring days at the NAACO 2025 Annual Conference, we reflect on the insightful discussions, cutting-edge innovations, and meaningful connections formed with commencement professionals across North America.
Hosted in Long Beach, CA, NAACO 2025 united leaders in higher education to examine the latest advancements in commencement planning, from digital transformation to enhancing the graduate experience. The conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, strategies, and collaborations, emphasizing the evolving nature of graduation ceremonies to align with the shifting needs of universities and their students.
Understanding NAACO
The North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO) is a professional organisation that supports commencement officers from colleges and universities in creating meaningful, well-executed graduation experiences. By facilitating knowledge-sharing, best practices, and innovation, NAACO strengthens the collective expertise of professionals responsible for planning and delivering these significant academic milestones.
NAACO 2025 focused on addressing the complex challenges facing commencement officers today. From managing safety in times of activism to risk management, the cultural significance of academic regalia, career progression, and the role of social media in modern ceremonies, the conference delivered essential insights for crafting seamless, engaging, and impactful graduation experiences.
Highlights from NAACO 2025
Sessions such as “More Than Just a Party Planner” underscored the evolving role of commencement officers, while “Slash Manual Work While Improving the Graduate Experience” showcased how AI and automation are streamlining university ceremonies. The conversations throughout the conference reinforced the growing need for enhanced, digital-first, and shareable graduation experiences—an ethos that aligns with Gradcut’s commitment to revolutionising how these moments are captured and shared.
The event also provided excellent networking opportunities, expert-led sessions, and deep dives into the dynamic responsibilities of commencement officers, who balance event management, project planning, alumni engagement, and cross-campus coordination.
Key Takeaways from NAACO 2025
- Embracing Innovation in Higher Education – Keynote Speaker Ken Okel inspired attendees to adopt innovative approaches and confidently navigate change to create exceptional student experiences in today’s evolving academic landscape.
- Advancing the Careers of Commencement Officers – A panel featuring Dani Bomgaars, Carmela Arstill, Yvonne Moar, James Cuaresma, and Amber Sega explored professional growth opportunities and emphasised the expertise required to execute flawless graduation ceremonies.
- Addressing Growing Security Concerns – Kristin McDaniel and Jeff Housman shared insights on how Texas State University revamped its security policies to strike a balance between safety and celebration at commencement events.
- Maximising Instagram for University Engagement – Jess Leggett provided practical strategies on using Instagram to enhance university visibility, drive engagement, and elevate the student experience.
- Modernising Commencement While Preserving Tradition – Courtney Buzan highlighted how the University of South Carolina is leveraging technology to enhance graduation ceremonies while honouring long-standing traditions.
- Real-Time Crisis Management in Commencement Planning – Alanna Vernon and Denise Luong shared expert strategies for responding swiftly to security threats, ensuring that ceremonies proceed smoothly despite unexpected challenges.
Gradcut’s Role in Transforming Graduation Ceremonies
At Gradcut, we believe every graduate deserves an instant, shareable moment to celebrate their achievement. Our AI-powered video solution captures live-streamed ceremonies and delivers each graduate a personalised, branded video clip of their stage-crossing moment—ready for social media within an hour.
Why universities choose Gradcut:
- Instant, personalised video clips for each graduate
- Seamless social media integration to boost engagement
- Zero additional workload for commencement teams—just enhanced benefits
Looking Ahead
NAACO conference was an incredible opportunity to connect with universities looking to modernise their graduation ceremonies. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue working with institutions to make every graduate’s moment more personal, shareable, and impactful.